“Grey Hair”

Grey Hair

One area of aging where men have a distinct advantage over women is grey hair.  While the cause of grey hair is the same in both sexes, societies perspective on grey hair differ significantly.  Grey hair on a man is considered distinguished.  Not so much on women.  Silver foxes are even considered sex symbols.  Look no further than George Clooney, Anderson Cooper, Ted Danson, Harrison Ford, Richard Gere, Mark Harmon, and Steve Martin to name only a few.  Heck, even Ben Affleck and President Barack Obama rock the grey.

The cause of grey hair is the same in men and women alike.  And, the lasting result greying hair has on the hair’s texture is also similar in men and women.  There is also no difference in the hair care treatment necessary to keep aging hair healthy, shiny and supple.  But men typically do not care properly for their sophisticated looking greying hair.

SerafinoSays is going to explain to men the why’s and how’s of caring for grey hair.  If we take a look at what causes grey hair then we will better understand the need for grey hair care.  Hair gets its natural color from a pigment called melanin found in the cortex of each hair strand.  The distribution of the melanin granules into the cortex determines the hair’s color.  Unfortunately, like many aspects of our body, over time the production of melanin diminishes.  Each individual genetic makeup determines the rate of the pigmentation loss in each hair follicle that results in hair turning grey, and even white when the production of melanin stops.

The loss of melanin production to the hair’s cortex contributes to the lack of moisture in the hair shaft hair.  This lack of moisture wreaks havoc on the texture of the hair causing it to become dryer, course, wiry and even curly.

Since there is no cure for grey hair, men need to learn how to adapt to the new texture of their hair and take steps to keep their greying hair healthy.

Here are steps recommended by SerafinoSays:

Step One – Moisturizing Shampoo

Out with the old shampoo and in with the new moisturizing shampoo.  Maintaining moisture in a hair shaft is the most important way to maintain your hair’s health.  Well-moisturized hair is less brittle, and brittle hair can result in accelerated or greater hair loss.  Moisturizing shampoo works with the hair’s natural oils to retain moisture in the scalp, root and individual hair follicle.  Apply a quarter-sized amount of moisturizing shampoo to damp hair. Massage the shampoo into your scalp, and follow with a warm water rinse.

Step Two – Moisturizing Conditioner

Conditioner adds to the natural moisture of the hair and helps retain the shine, and intensity throughout the day.  Dry hair requires a conditioner that contains a high amount of essential fatty acids that makes dry hair more pliable.  By using a good moisturizing shampoo with a good moisturizing conditioner you are taking two stpes forward toward healthy grey hair.  Apply a quarter-sized amount into your palm, and massage it into your hair.  Do not apply directly to the scalp, as it does not need treatment.  Leave the conditioner on for three to five minutes then rinse away the conditioner with cool water.  Dry your hair by patting and gently rubbing with a towel.

Step Three – Add Shine

Grey hair lacks moisturize leaving the hair shaft looking dry and dull.  By adding texturizing paste, pomade or creams you will not only add shine, but create a modern texture to a hairstyle.

When preparing products to apply to your hair, I recommend placing a dab of the product on your finger tips and emulsify.  While many applications tips recommend you first apply the product to palm of the hand, it is your finger tips and fingers combing the product through the hair and not not your palm.

SerafinoSays Pro Tip:  It is the finger tips that are manipulating the hairstyle not the palms.  Begin at the back of the head and massage the products towards the front. By beginning at the back it will eliminate any over application to the hair line that might cause the hair to appear as it has to much product. Style hair to desired look.

Here are a few must have products when I style my male celebrities:

 Garnier Power Putty Mess Maker MensScience Hair Styling PomadeGrooming Lounge Hair CreamAmerican Crew Molding Clay

John Masters Hair Pomade

“True beauty isn’t about perfection. By liberating people to realize this simple fact, we help them see the real beauty within themselves.” Kristan Serafino